Automatic optimization of localized heat treatment for Al-Si-Mg alloys

Abstract

Material properties of aluminium alloys can usually be achieved by a heat treatment and quenching procedure. In case that only local strengthening is needed, a local heat treatment and quenching strategy could be an option to the energy intensive, time consuming and costly treatment of the whole part. One of the essential problem using a local strengthening procedure is the lack of knowledge about suitable process parameters. Therefore, a multiple criteria optimization approach with local strengthening as target function was set up, whereby the material constitution was calculated based on the precipitation evolution during local heat treatment and cooling. By automatically varying the exposure time and laser power, a series of process simulations was performed to find adequate process parameters for the sufficient local strengthening of the alloy.